Ustad Bismillah Khan honoured on his 102 birthday by Google Doodle

Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the finest musicians the world had ever seen

By Karthika Raveendran
Published: March 21, 2018 9:51 AM IST

Every day, the Google Doodle honours an exemplary personality and their commendable contributed to a certain field. Today, we are honouring the iconic Ustad Bismillah on his 102nd birthday. He was born in a family of court musicians. His father gave him the name - Bismillah that means 'In the name of God' As for the title Ustad which means master, he earned it for his contribution to music. This music maestro was a global icon, whose fame spread across the world. He has several accolades to his credit - right from the honorary - Padma Shri to to Padma Bhushan to the Padma Vibhushan to the Bharat Ratna! The shehnai was his special instrument that he mastered during the post Independence era. In fact he played it even on the eve of Independence. Reports on NDTV suggest that till date, the Independence Day celebrations begin with his opening notes. Also Read - Amrish Puri's 87th birth anniversary: Google Doodle remembers the most loved villain of Bollywood

The music maestro began his career at the young age of 14. In 1937 when he performed at the All India Music Conference, his career took on a different league. He became a global figure when he performed at the EdinBurgh Music Festival. He has left a mark on his followers across the world with his music. He even performed at the prestigious Cannes Festival. The honorary shehnai player was known to tour across the world. He is one of those rare personalities who long with received the four Padma Awards also won the Bharat Ratna Award. Also Read - On Meena Kumari's 85th birth anniversary, Google Doodle pays a tribute to the legendary actress - view pic

When he passed away, he was buried with Shehnai. 'Even if the world ends, music will still survive. Music has no caste. Did you know, his shehnai music was used in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar? Also Read - Look how famous singer Gauhar Jaan's 145th birth anniversary is being celebrated by Google Doodle

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ByKarthika Raveendran
Published: March 21, 2018 9:51 AM IST